The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), commissioned on October 15, 2016, in Baltimore, represents a major advancement in naval warfare. It features a wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design, and an Integrated Power System capable of generating 78 megawatts of power.Secretary of the Navy, the Hon. Ray Mabus, emphasized the ship’s role in ensuring stability and providing strategic advantages at the commissioning ceremony, stating, “Our Navy and our Marine Corps, uniquely, provide presence – around the globe, around the clock – ensuring stability, reassuring allies, deterring adversaries, and providing the nation’s leaders with options in times of crisis.”
The Zumwalt-class destroyers, envisioned as a fleet of 32, saw a reduction to just three ships due to cost overruns, with each unit’s price skyrocketing to an average of $7.5 billion including R&D. Advanced warfighting technology and weaponry, coupled with its stealth and size, make the Zumwalt a formidable asset. Its capabilities include sea control, power projection, and command and control missions, executed while remaining a challenge for adversaries to detect.
The ship’s unique angular design not only contributes to its stealth but also promotes a smoother ride in rough seas. “This destroyer, like the others in our fleet, is capable of projecting power, no doubt,” Mabus remarked, highlighting the Zumwalt’s larger flight deck and Vertical Launch System that eclipse those of today’s destroyers. Equally noteworthy, Zumwalt represents the legacy of Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., known for his work to modernize and humanize the Navy, tackling racism and sexism, and overseeing the introduction of key naval assets while serving as Chief of Naval Operations.
However, the journey of USS Zumwalt has not been without its challenges. Initial designs included two Advanced Gun Systems (AGS), but the high cost of Long Range Land Attack Projectiles (LRLAP) and a lower ship count made them impractical. As a result, the Navy is now concentrating on improving the Zumwalt’s capabilities in surface warfare and naval strike missions. The emphasis is on incorporating the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapons system, which is anticipated to deploy hypersonic missiles currently under development.
The Zumwalt has changed homeports to Pascagoula, Mississippi, for technology upgrades that promise to maintain its edge as one of the most lethal ships in the U.S. Navy. “The upgrades will ensure Zumwalt remains one of the most technologically advanced and lethal ships in the US Navy,” stated the Navy.
“To say the Navy was transformed by Admiral Zumwalt is an understatement. Indeed, every leader on this stage and the great crew standing before us has benefited from Bud Zuwalt’s passion to make the Navy even better,” said Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Forces during the ceremony. “So today we welcome this revolutionary warship to the fleet. A ship that demonstrates daring design and cutting-edge capability.”
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